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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12 verses 1–22
We have here an account of those that appeared and acted as David's friends, upon the death of Saul, to bring about the revolution. All the forces he had, while he was persecuted, was but 600 men, who served for his guards; but, when the time had come that he must begin to act offensively, Providence brought in more to his assistance. Even while he kept himself close, because of Saul (Ch1 12:1), while he did not appear, to invite or encourage his friends and well-wishers to come in to him (not foreseeing that the death of Saul was so near), God was inclining and preparing them to come over to him with seasonable succours. Those that trust God to do his work for them in his own way and time shall find his providence outdoing all their forecast and contrivance. The war was God's, and he found out helpers of the war, whose forwardness to act for the man God designed for the government is here recorded to their honour.
I. Some, even of Saul's brethren, of the tribe of Benjamin, and a-kin to him, came over to David, Ch1 12:2. What moved them to it we are not told. Probably a generous indignation at the base treatment which Saul, one of their tribe, gave him, animated them to appear the more vigorously for him, that the guilt and reproach of it might not lie upon them. These Benjamites are described to be men of great dexterity, that were trained up in shooting and slinging, and used both hands alike - ingenious active men; a few of these might do David a great deal of service. Several of the leading men of them are here named. See Jdg 20:16.
II. Some of the tribe of Gad, though seated on the other side Jordan, had such a conviction of David's title to the government, and fitness for it, that they separated themselves from their brethren (a laudable separation it was) to go to David, though he was in the hold in the wilderness (Ch1 12:8), probably some of his strong holds in the wilderness of Engedi. They were but few, eleven in all, here named, but they added much to David's strength. Those that had hitherto come in to his assistance were most of them men of broken fortunes, distressed, discontented, and soldiers of fortune, that came to him rather for protection than to do him any service, Sa1 22:2. But these Gadites were brave men, men of war, and fit for the battle, Ch1 12:8. For, 1. They were able-bodied men, men of incredible swiftness, not to fly from, but to fly upon, the enemy, and to pursue the scattered forces. In this they were as swift as the roes upon the mountains, so that no man could escape from them; and yet they had faces like the faces of lions, so that no man could out-fight them. 2. They were disciplined men, trained up to military exercises; they could handle shield and buckler, use both offensive and defensive weapons. 3. They were officers of the militia in their own tribe (Ch1 12:14), so that though they did not bring soldiers with them they had them at command, hundreds, thousands. 4. They were daring men, that could break through the greatest difficulties. Upon some expedition or other, perhaps this to David, they swam over the Jordan, when it overflowed all its banks, Ch1 12:15. Those are fit to be employed in the cause of God that can venture thus in a dependence upon the divine protection. 5. They were men that would go through with the business they engaged in. What enemies those were that they met with in the valleys, when they had passed Jordan, does not appear; but they put them to flight with their lion-like faces, and pursued them with matchless fury, both towards the east and towards the west; which way soever they turned, they followed their blow, and did not do their work by halves.
III. Some of Judah and Benjamin came to him, Ch1 12:16. Their leader was Amasai, whether the same with that Amasa that afterwards sided with Absalom (Sa2 17:25) or no does not appear. Now here we have,
1.David's prudent treaty with them, Ch1 12:17. He was surprised to see them, and could not but conceive some jealousy of the intentions of their coming, having been so often in danger by the treachery of the men of Ziph and the men of Keilah, who yet were all men of Judah. He might well be timorous whose life was so much struck at; he might well be suspicious who had been deceived in so many that he said, in his haste, All men are liars. No marvel that he meets these men of Judah with caution. Observe,
(1.)How he puts the matter to themselves, how fairly he deals with them. As they are, they shall find him; so shall all that deal with the Son of David. [1.] If they be faithful and honourable, he will be their rewarder: "If you have come peaceably unto me, to help me, though you have come late and have left me exposed a great while, though you bring no great strength with you to turn the scale for me, yet I will thankfully accept your good-will, and my heart shall be knit unto you; I will love you and honour you, and do you all the kindness I can." Affection, respect, and service, that are cordial and sincere, will find favour with a good man, as they do with a good God, though clogged with infirmities, and turning to no great account. But, [2.] If they be false, and come to betray him into the hands of Saul, under colour of friendship, he leaves them to God to be their avenger, as he is, and will be, of every thing that is treacherous and perfidious. Never was man more violently run upon, and run down, than David was (except the Son of David himself), and yet he had the testimony of his conscience that there was no wrong in his hands. He meant no harm to any man, which was his rejoicing in the day of evil, and enabled him, when he feared treachery, to commit his cause to him that judges righteously. He will not be judge in his own cause, though a wise man, nor avenge himself, though a man of valour; but let the righteous God, who hath said, Vengeance is mine, do both. The God of our fathers look thereon and rebuke it.
(2.)In this appeal observe, [1.] He calls God the God of our fathers, both his fathers and theirs. Thus he reminded them not to deal ill with him; for they were both descendants from the same patriarchs, and both dependents on the same God. Thus he encouraged himself to believe that God would right him if he should be abused; for he was the God of his fathers and therefore a blessing was entailed on him, and a God to all Israel and therefore not only a Judge to all the earth, but particularly concerned in determining controversies between contesting Israelites. [2.] He does not imprecate any fearful judgement upon them, though they should deal treacherously, but very modestly refers his cause to the divine wisdom and justice: The Lord look thereon, and judge as he sees (for he sees men's hearts), and rebuke it. It becomes those that appeal to God to express themselves with great temper and moderation; for the wrath of man works not the righteousness of God.
2.Their hearty closure with him, Ch1 12:18. Amasai was their spokesman, on whom the Spirit of the Lord came, not a spirit of prophecy, but a spirit of wisdom and resolution, according to the occasion, putting words into his mouth, unpremeditated, which were proper both to give David satisfaction and to animate those that accompanied him. Nothing could be said finer, more lively, or more pertinent to the occasion. For himself and all his associates, (1.) He professed a very cordial adherence to David, and his interest, against all that opposed him, and a resolution to stand by him with the hazard of all that was dear to him: Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse. In calling him son of Jesse they reminded themselves that he was lineally descended from Nahshon and Salmon, who in their days were princes of the tribe of Judah. Saul called him so in disdain (Sa1 20:27; Sa1 22:7), but they looked upon it as his honour. They were convinced that God was on his side; and therefore, Thine are we, David, and on thy side. It is good, if we must side, to side with those that side with God and have God with them. (2.) He wished prosperity to David and his cause, not drinking a health, but praying for peace to him and all his friends and well-wishers: "Peace, peace, be unto thee, all the good thy heart desires, and peace be to thy helpers, among whom we desire to be reckoned, that peace may be on us." (3.) He assured him of help from heaven: "For thy God helpeth thee; therefore we wish peace may be, and therefore we doubt not but peace shall be, to thee and thy helpers. God is thy God, and those that have him for their God no doubt have him for their helper in every time of need and danger." From these expressions of Amasai we may take instruction how to testify our affection and allegiance to the Lord Jesus. His we must be without reservation or power of revocation. On his side we must be forward to appear and act. To his interest we must be hearty well-wishers: "Hosanna! prosperity to his gospel and kingdom;" for his God helpeth him, and will till he shall have put down all opposing rule, principality, and power.
3.David's cheerful acceptance of them into his interest and friendship. Charity and honour teach us to let fall our jealousies as soon as satisfaction is given us: David received them, and preferred them to be captains of the band.
IV. Some of Manasseh likewise joined with him, v. 19. Providence gave them a fair opportunity to do so when he and his men marched through their country upon this occasion. Achish took David with him when he went out to fight with Saul; but the lords of the Philistines obliged him to withdraw. We have the story, Sa1 29:4, etc. In his return some great men of Manasseh, who had no heart to join with Saul against the Philistines struck in with David, and very seasonably, to help him against the band of Amelekites who plundered Ziklag; they were not many, but they were all mighty men and did David good service upon that occasion, 1 Sa. 30. See how Providence provides. David's interest grew strangely just when he had occasion to make use of it, Ch1 12:22. Auxiliary forces flocked in daily, till he had a great host. When the promise comes to the birth, leave it to God to find strength to bring forth.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 12:11 precisely names Attai and Eliel as the sixth and seventh individuals, respectively, among the formidable Gadite warriors who pledged their allegiance to David while he was still a fugitive from King Saul. This verse is part of a comprehensive register that meticulously details the diverse and exceptionally capable men who recognized God's anointing upon David, choosing to align themselves with his nascent cause during a period of uncertainty and persecution, thereby contributing to the foundational strength of his future kingdom.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs Enumeration and Cataloging as primary literary devices in this chapter, and specifically in this verse. By meticulously listing the names of individuals and their numerical order, the text creates a sense of comprehensive inclusion and historical accuracy. This detailed roster is not merely a dry list but serves to emphasize the sheer volume and diversity of support David garnered, thereby legitimizing his claim to the throne and highlighting the divine hand in assembling his forces. The repetition of the pattern "Name the number" across the Gadite list reinforces the systematic nature of this gathering. Furthermore, the very act of recording these names, even those of seemingly minor figures, serves as a form of Commemoration, ensuring that the contributions of every loyal individual are remembered and honored within the sacred narrative. This literary choice implicitly communicates the value God places on every person's commitment to His purposes.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of Attai and Eliel in this detailed roster of David's loyal supporters speaks volumes about the nature of divine calling and human response. It underscores the theological truth that God often works through the faithful commitment of ordinary individuals, whose names might otherwise be lost to history. These men, though not central figures in the grand narrative, were indispensable to the establishment of God's chosen king. Their decision to align with David in his time of need exemplifies a profound trust in God's anointing and His ultimate plan, even when the immediate circumstances were challenging and uncertain. This narrative thread reinforces the idea that true strength and success in God's kingdom are built upon the collective, often unseen, acts of loyalty and courage from many.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief mention of Attai and Eliel in 1 Chronicles 12:11 offers a powerful reminder that every individual's contribution, no matter how seemingly small or obscure, holds significant value in the grand tapestry of God's purposes. In a world that often celebrates only prominent figures and grand achievements, this verse quietly elevates the importance of faithfulness in the background. It challenges us to consider our own roles within the body of Christ and the broader kingdom of God. Are we willing to serve faithfully, even when our names may not be widely known or our efforts publicly applauded? Like Attai and Eliel, our steadfast allegiance to God and His chosen leaders, our commitment to righteous causes, and our willingness to stand with truth in challenging times are profoundly meaningful. This passage encourages us to embrace our unique place in God's plan, trusting that our quiet acts of obedience and loyalty are seen and valued by Him, contributing to something far greater than ourselves.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does the Bible list so many names, like Attai and Eliel, that seem to have little further information?
Answer: The meticulous listing of names, even those with minimal accompanying details, serves several crucial purposes within biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the historical authenticity and veracity of the accounts, grounding the spiritual narrative in concrete human experience. These are not mythical figures but real individuals who played a part in God's unfolding plan. Secondly, it highlights the importance of every individual's contribution to God's work. Even if their specific deeds are not elaborated, their presence and commitment were vital to the larger story, demonstrating that God uses a multitude of people, each with their unique role. Thirdly, in the context of 1 Chronicles, these lists serve to legitimize David's kingship by showcasing the diverse and formidable support he garnered, indicating divine favor and widespread recognition of his anointing. For the original audience, these genealogies and rosters also served as a means of preserving tribal identity and heritage, connecting them to their past and demonstrating God's faithfulness across generations, as seen throughout the book of Chronicles.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Attai and Eliel are Old Testament figures associated with the earthly kingdom of David, their story finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament concept of the Body of Christ. Just as these men, individually named yet part of a larger company, pledged allegiance to David as God's anointed king, so too are believers called to pledge their lives to Jesus Christ, the ultimate King and Anointed One, whose authority is proclaimed in Acts 2:36. The loyalty and diverse contributions of David's mighty men foreshadow the unity and varied gifts within the church, where every member, no matter how seemingly "obscure," is essential and divinely appointed for the building up of the kingdom of God, as eloquently described in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. Attai and Eliel's faithful service to an earthly king who prefigured Christ points to the greater call for all believers to serve the heavenly King, Jesus, whose kingdom is eternal and whose victory is assured, a truth joyfully declared in Revelation 11:15. Their commitment in a time of uncertainty mirrors the faith required of those who follow Christ, often against the tide of the world, trusting in His ultimate triumph and the establishment of His perfect reign, knowing that His kingdom "is not of this world" (John 18:36).